Afternoon Tea at the Jefferson Hotel

Afternoon tea at The Jefferson Hotel is a lovely experience, and from the moment I walked into the hotel, I knew it was going to be a special outing. The tea service is held on the Mezzanine, offering a view of the ornate lobby below. I met up with 3 of my girlfriends on a Friday afternoon, and it was the perfect spot for some girl time.

The service began with a server presenting the tea menu, which included a variety of options.

We each ordered a different tea so that we could try four different types and The Richmond Blend was definitely my favorite! It had a strong cinnamon flavor with lots of sweetness. It was so delicious! Our server kept bringing us fresh tea whenever we needed it, so we never ran out.

Then our server brought us out a tiered tray loaded with small sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of pastries. Everything was portioned so that it felt manageable, even with the variety offered.

The sandwiches included traditional options, such as cucumber and cream cheese, as well as egg salad on soft bread. Each was simple and fresh. The scones were fresh and served with small pots of Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves. The balance of the flaky scones with the rich cream was one of the highlights of the meal. There were two vegetarians in our group, so it came with veggie-friendly sandwich options.

The dessert layer included items like petit fours, macarons, and small slices of tea bread. These were lighter than I expected, which was nice after the heavier sandwiches and scones. Each sweet paired well with the teas, and we enjoyed taking our time with the tasting.

This was such a special way to spend an afternoon! I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun way to catch up with girlfriends, celebrate a special occasion, or entertain an out-of-town guest!

FAQS

Reservations

Reservations are required and can be made online. The hotel opens reservations exactly 90 days in advance at 8:00 AM EST. Reservations tend to fill up, especially around the holidays, so be sure to plan head!

Menu and Service

• The standard afternoon tea includes assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, a selection of pastries and tea breads, and a choice of hot tea. For parties larger than five, two tea selections are provided. The cost is $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
• The Chocolate Lover’s Tea is offered on the first and third Saturdays of each month. This service includes the standard tea offerings, along with a selection of chocolate desserts. The price is $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
• A children’s menu is available for guests aged 4-8, priced at $40 for the standard tea and $45 for the Chocolate Lover’s Tea. Children aged 3 and under dine at no charge, provided there is one paying adult per child.
• Specialty menus, such as gluten-free or nut-free options, are available for an additional charge. Guests are advised to select these options at the time of reservation. An afternoon tea cocktail menu, as well as a selection of wines and sparkling wines, is available for purchase.

Parking Information

Complimentary self-parking is available for tea guests at two locations: the Main Street Lot between Adams Street and Jefferson Street, and the Adams Street Lot across from the Franklin Street hotel entrance. Guests should request a parking validation card from their server before leaving. Valet parking is also available at a reduced rate of $18 per car.

Holiday Tea Services

During the holiday season, The Jefferson Hotel offers special tea services, including Holiday Tea and Holiday Chocolate Lover’s Tea. It fills up quick so make your reservations online!